A MAN in his 30s has been knocked unconscious following an incident with a man with a machete.
PSNI officers received reports last night of a man being approached in Belfast city by two men in balaclavas.
It is understood that one of the men had a machete and a struggle ensued before the man was knocked unconscious.
The man has been left with deep lacerations to his leg and face.
He also suffered a head injury during the incident.
The incident occurred at around 8pm on North Queen Street last night, with police being alerted when the man presented himself to a hospital.
Detective Sergeant McVeagh said: “The man, aged in his 30s, reported that he was walking on North Queen Street at around 8pm when he was set upon by two men in balaclavas.
“He believed that one of the men was armed with a machete, and reported that there was a struggle during which he was knocked unconscious.
“He suffered deep lacerations to his leg and face in addition to the head injury.”
The PSNI are now appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Sergeant McVeagh added: “It’s shocking that an attack of this seriousness could take place in a busy area, and we know that someone must have seen the assault take place or suspicious behaviour around that time.
“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1603 of 15/03/25.”
You can also make a report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report/incident, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This comes as PSNI officers received reports at around 2.50am on Saturday that a business in the north side of Belfast city had been set ablaze.
Officers attended the scene in the Limestone Road area and were aided by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Once the fire had been put out, it was clear extensive damage had been done to the building.
There was also damage caused to machinery on the site.
The PSNI confirmed that enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
They are currently treating the incident as deliberate arson and are urging any witness to come forward.
